Māui dolphin

How it was counted

The figure is a survey estimate of how many animals, published with a range by New Zealand's Department of Conservation. It covers Māui dolphins within the survey area, from the Kaipara Harbour entrance to the Mokau River, and leaves out calves, which are not sampled.

The 2021 figure is a survey estimate with a range: about 54 is the most likely number, and 48 to 66 is how far either way the true number could sit.

Earlier figures

• 63 in 2016: the previous count. Source: New Zealand Department of Conservation.

What moves it

New Zealand's Department of Conservation names these pressures on the Māui dolphin: fishing, toxoplasmosis and other diseases, oil and gas exploration, mining, boat strike, tourism and noise.

• fishing. Threats: Fishing Source: New Zealand Department of Conservation.
• toxoplasmosis and other diseases. toxoplasmosis and other diseases Source: New Zealand Department of Conservation.
• oil and gas exploration, mining, boat strike, tourism and noise. oil and gas exploration, boat strike, mining, tourism, noise Source: New Zealand Department of Conservation.

The next count

A new estimate is expected about every 5 years. No date for the next count is known as of 12 November 2026.

Sources

• New Zealand Department of Conservation

  • New Zealand Department of Conservation Last checked 12 November 2026.
  • Māui dolphin: Marine mammals Last checked 12 November 2026.

What changed

• 12 November 2026 Added to Live Species, on the wall (1,000 or fewer): 54, between 48 and 66 (Estimate, with range, 2021).

Every change on the site